''I can understand if they're filtering out profanity, but if feel like it's discrimination. By blocking a word like 'gay,' which is a preferred term by the gay community, you're encouraging it as a bad word.''

Michael Marsh, an 18-year-old gamer from Connecticut who wanted to set up a gay-straight alliance club in the Playstation 3's new virtual 3-D home world, but couldn't because of automatic censors that block potential profanity. The amazingly beautiful but imperfect 'beta' version of Sony's gaming environment is also said to be weeding out use of the words ''Jew," "Christ," and even "potential" and "hello" because they contain the letters in"pot" and "hell." (San Francisco Chronicle) Worst of all, there's just not a lot to do yet and it has generated some yawning reviews so far. (Washington Post)

''Every Inauguration holds special significance, but the swearing-in of Barack Obama as president marks a turning point in American history. It's a privilege to have a role in this historic event.''

Tammy Baldwin [D-MI] an openly-lesbian Member of the US House of Representatives, in a statement about her newly-named position as one of several co-chairmen for President-elect Obama's Inauguration. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)

''He kind of just wanted me to know that his church had given a lot of money to people with AIDS, and not to believe everything that I read.... I can't understand why he would pick somebody who would spew hate, spew homophobia.''

Erol Sarabi, manager of Out of the Closet, a thrift store in West Hollywood which benefits people living with AIDS. Earlier in the week, TMZ.com reported that Rick Warren stopped by the store to buy several books (2 of which were his own). Sarabi's story was circulated amongst bloggers along with the TMZ photo of a smiling Warren with his arm around Sarabi's shoulders. (CBS via YouTube)

''Because membership in a church is an outgrowth of accepting the Lordship and leadership of Jesus in one's life, someone unwilling to repent of their homosexual lifestyle would not be accepted at a member of Saddleback Church. That does not mean they cannot attend church -- we hope they do! God's Word has the power to change our lives.''

A quote taken directly from the Saddleback Church web site. Saddleback is the religious creation and home of Rick Warren's ministry. MSNBC's Rachel Maddow reported that the anti-gay line had been removed from the web site, but reveals that Saddleback says it was only ''pulled to 're-purpose it for clarity,' but apparently the policy still stands.'' (MSNBC)

rick is not a televangelist. rick is not falwell. rick spoke of some "stupid" things he's said (his word, not mine), some missquotes that were given, and lots of ammunition from the media. all excellent points. (we're all war-minded right now, you know. it's easy for the media to distract us by throwing us into our own verbal wars here at home.) ) what to do, what to do.... the rest of the public is given an animation of rick warren... and then my wife meets the man behind the projections, the quotes, the "OTHER SIDE". and he is warm, caring, effusive, and LOVES gays. since he nearly swallowed honey when he hugged her, i tend to believe him. he wants our gay marriages to be just as respected and embraced as the straight marriages. he just wants to wear his yamaka, and me wear my hat.

Tammy Lynn Michaels on her anything-but-professional blog on December 21, stating some newly-found warmth she has for Evangelical preacher Rick Warren. Her wife, singer Melissa Etheridge (whom she refers to as ''honey''), met Warren at a Muslim social outreach. And Michaels and Etheridge appear to be impressed with his hugs and compliments, and the claim that he has all of Etheridge's albums. She is saying in her blog that non-religious ''civil unions'' (think of a ''hat'') compared with Warren's entirely religious ''traditional marriage'' (like a ''yamaka''). Both women seem to think that the title does not matter as long as Warren, Prop 8 supporters, and the government ''afford us the EXACT SAME RIGHTS.'' Rick Warren does not appear to have ever said that he thinks gay and lesbian couples deserve 100% of the exact same rights, benefits and respect under the law that heterosexual couples receive through marriage certificates. And, in fact, has continued to say marriage is only meant for man-woman couples, sex is only for man-woman marriages, gay sex is outside of God's commands, homosexual desires show immaturity and can be delayed until the feelings go away, and that his critics are engaging in anti-Christian hate-speech while his own declarations are an expression of religious freedom. (HollywoodFarmGirl)

Melissa Etheridge debating Republican talk show host Elizabeth Hasselback on "The View" just days before meeting Rick Warren. Etheridge has been promoting a new Holiday album, ''A New Thought for Christmas.'' Hasselback believes ''activist judges'' are making marriage laws that people should be deciding through voting referendums; while Etheridge, at the time, was saying that the people shouldn't be voting on fundamental civil rights, one of which she considered marriage to be. (The View via YouTube)

''We support all types of families, regardless of how they're defined, [and have done so] for more than 100 years. We advertise in a variety of different media outlets that appeal to a broad spectrum of society. That's what we're doing here, and that's what we'll continue to do.''

Anthony Sanzio, said to be a Campbell's Soup spokesperson, as quoted by the American Family Association's news site in response to that anti-gay organization's objections to four ads placed by Campbell's in ''The Advocate'' for Swanson's broth. AFA is complaining that the ads, one of which features two women and a child, "normalilze" and "support" gay parents. (OneNewsNow) The Campbell's website includes a Contact Us form for feedback (Campbell's Soup Company)

"We are prepared to hold feet to the fire on the issues that are critical to our community.'' -- Darlene Nipper of NGLTF.

''We have a right to expect a great deal from people who say they're our friend'' -- Kevin Cathcart of Lambda Legal

''We're not going to say, 'Forget it, we're done with Obama.' But it's very disappointing. There's no way to sugarcoat that or pretend it isn't the case.'' -- Christine Quinn, openly gay speaker of New York's City Council.

''We have a responsibility to express our anger and disappointment and then figure out a way to move forward.'' -- Joe Solmonese of HRC

A few of the leaders interviewed by the Associated Press for their reaction on Barack Obama's decision to invite Rick Warren to participate on stage at his Inauguration. (Associated Press)

''I have been accused of equating gay partnerships with incest and pedophilia.... I believe no such thing. I never have.... You know I believe that God created sex exclusively for sex between a man and a woman. That means I don't believe in pre-marital sex, I don't believe in adultery. I believe that God created sex exclusively to be a marriage connection between a man and a woman. But I never taught that homosexuality is the same thing as a forced relationship between an adult and a child, or a -- you know, uh, between siblings -- things like that. I just never taught that in 30 years.... I'm not opposed to gays having their partnerships. I'm opposed to gays using the term 'marriage' for their relationship.... I named several other relationship, and in fact, I've done it several times.... such as living together, or a man with multilple wives or brothers and sisters, or adults with children, or commonlaw partnerships or all kinds of relationships. I don't think any of them should be called marriage. I was not saying those relationships are the same thing.... I believe the definition of marriage should only be included [sic] one definition: A man and a woman for life. It is not an anti-gay view.... Gay partnerships are typically between consenting adults. While I believe that the gay view of sexuality is contrary to God's word, I do believe that God gives us free choice. And he gives us a choice to obey it or disobey it.... I believe, I must give everybody else that same freedom of choice. And I'm opposed to forcing people to act the way I believe that I ought to act. That's not what it's about. Its what I believe God wants me to act, and it's the way I believe God wants other people to act. But God's given me the choice, and there's been times that I didn't act the way God wanted me to act. Now I believe that God says I must love everybody.... I have to love everybody, regardless of the choice they make.... Not only God, but America gives us this great freedom to make choices, and so I simply believe that while we're all free to make choices, I think gays should use another term -- for their -- consenting adult relationships or partnerships. I oppose the redefinition of the meaning of marriage.''

Rick Warren of the Saddleback Church in a "inside" video released for members of his church. He appears to be trying to qualify his earlier statements where he repeatedly and intentionally made comparisons of same-sex marriage to old men and children and brothers and sisters. President-elect Barack Obama has chosen Warren to be part of his Inauguration in January, and that has set off a storm of criticism of both him an Warren for their anti-gay marriage beliefs. Warren here denies, in nuanced terms, that he meant what he said, and instead blames bloggers and the media for creating conflict in the interest of crafting a story that he says is not what he believes. Then he repeats exactly the same thing, and adds in that gay sex is a choice against God's word. In this latest I-love-gays-too foray, Warren never mentions once that gay relationships are due any respect, legitimacy or benefits under the law.  (JoeMyGod)

''On the day of the conference I received a call from Pastor Rick... he told me what a fan he was. He had most of my albums from the very first one. What? This didn't sound like a gay hater, much less a preacher. He explained in very thoughtful words that as a Christian he believed in equal rights for everyone. He believed every loving relationship should have equal protection. He struggled with proposition 8 because he didn't want to see marriage redefined as anything other than between a man and a woman. He said he regretted his choice of words in his video message to his congregation about proposition 8 when he mentioned pedophiles and those who commit incest. He said that in no way, is that how he thought about gays.... When we met later that night, he entered the room with open arms and an open heart. We agreed to build bridges to the future. ''

Lesbian singer and gay-rights activist Melissa Etheridge who is asking her gay brothers and sisters to reach out a hand to Christians and others who don't hate us, but rather fear change. (Huffington Post)

"I thought the Christmas angels said 'Fear not'. Instead, the Pope is spreading fear that gay people somehow threaten the planet. And that's just absurd. As always, this sort of religious homophobia will be an alibi for all those who would do gay people harm. Can't he think of something better to say at Christmas?"

Rev Dr Giles Fraser, Vicar of Putney and president of Inclusive Church reacting to Pope Benedict's latest attack on gays and sexual minorities, calling non-heterosexual relations "destruction of God's work,'' referring to a need for ''human ecology'' that recognizes the nature of humanity as man or woman, and saying ''The tropical forests do deserve our protection. But man, as a creature, does not deserve any less.'' (Telegraph.co.uk) (BBC)

King: There has been much controversy over the selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the inaugural.

He's been a guest on this show an awful lot, and he supported California's Proposition 8, a measure that outlaws gay marriage. He is also very opposed to abortion. I know the gay community in America appears to be up in arms. What do you make of this?

Biden: Well, I'd make of it [as] Barack Obama keeping his commitment.

Barack Obama said you've got to reach out. You've got to reach a hand of friendship across the aisle and across philosophies in this country.

We can't continue to be a red and blue country. We can't be divided like we have been. And he's made good on his promise.

And I would say to the gay and lesbian community, they have nothing to worry about. Barack Obama, every aspect of his life, every aspect of his public life, and every commitment he's made relating to equality for all people, will be things that he will stick with and that they should view this in the spirit in which he offered the opportunity to -- to Mr. Warren.

Joe Biden speaking with Larry King of CNN about religious leader Rick Warren who has espoused views which many in the GLBT community consider hostile toward gay civil rights -- especially marriage. (CNN)

''Mr. Warren compared same-sex couples to incest. I found that deeply offensive and unfair.... If he was inviting the Rev. Warren to participate in a forum and to make a speech, that would be a good thing. But being singled out to give the prayer at the inauguration is a high honor. It has traditionally given as a mark of great respect. And, yes, I think it was wrong to single him out for this mark of respect.''

Representative Barney Frank [D-MA] sharing his opinion of President-elect Barack Obama's decision to include Rev. Rick Warren in the upcoming Inauguration ceremony. Warren, in spite of his own claims to have 100+ gay friends, has recently called homosexuality a weakness of sexual immaturity that can be controlled through delayed gratification; has likened gay marriage to pedophilia and incest; and, in part, was responsible for motivating voters to overturn same-sex marriage in California last month. (Associated Press)

''The emotional impact has changed her life. It is an absolute nightmare for her to have gone through. For 45 minutes, four strangers brutalized her.''

Lt. Mark Gagan of the Police Department of Richmond, California (an area north of San Francisco and Berkeley) speaking about the assault, kidnapping and extensive rape of a lesbian in that area. She was left nude as the men drove off in her car. It's reported that this is considered a hate-crime because of the fact that she had a rainbow sticker on her car, and that the suspects made certain comments during the assault. (San Francisco Chronicle)

• Issue an Executive Order within the first 100 days that reaffirms protections for federal workers based on sexual orientation and expands them to also include gender identity;
• Work with Congress to sign Hate Crimes legislation into law within 6 months;
• Support only a fully inclusive Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA);
• In the first 100 days develop a plan to begin the process of eliminating the failed "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy; and
• Work with Congress to end unequal tax treatment of domestic partnerships benefits.

The list of items from Human Rights Campaign's ''Blueprint for Positive Change,'' a petition by the gay-rights group that's being distributed as a response to the President-elect's promotion of anti-gay Rev. Rick Warren. (HRC)

''I am pleased to hear that Caroline Kennedy through a spokesman expressed support for marriage equality for gay and lesbian couples. In the coming weeks I look forward to hearing in her own voice how she will work to advance equality of [lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender] people. If [Kennedy is] selected, at least half of New York's representation in the United States Senate will finally support equal marriage rights for same sex couples.''

Empire State Pride Agenda, Alan Van Capelle, who contrasted potential New York's Senate replacement Caroline Kennedy's views to those of Senator Chuck Schumer who, like Senator Hillary Clinton and unlike most of the state's other elected officials, opposes same-sex marriage. (Politico)

"There are certain rights that are not to be subject to popular votes, otherwise they are not fundamental rights. If every fundamental liberty can be stripped away by a majority vote, then it's not a fundamental liberty.... It's unusual, but it happens. Existing laws include the whole of the constitution, and just as Attorney General Lynch filed a brief calling for the invalidation of Proposition 14, we're filing a brief here calling for the invalidation of Proposition 8."

Governor Jerry Brown during his announcement that he is filing a brief with the California State Supreme Court asking that Proposition 8 should be stuck down -- invalidated on the grounds that the approved amendment is unconstitutional and has not "compelling interest." Earlier he had be expected to file in support of Proposition 8, saying that it was required of him to defend the law that stripped gay men and lesbians of the right to have legal same-sex weddings. (San Jose Mercury News)

''Gerrold wrote the story of contagion as a metaphor for the AIDS pandemic and the episode is dedicated to the gifted Star Trek alumni the world has lost to the disease: William Ware Theiss, Mike Minor and Merritt Butrick. It was also Gerrold's intention to challenge the apathy of the public regarding the small sacrifice, yet far reaching power, of blood donations. Based on an original TNG script that was shelved because of the mention of a gay crewman aboard the Enterprise, "Blood and Fire" for Star Trek New Voyages: Phase II honors Gene Roddenberry's vision of a non-judgmental future with the inclusion of a gay couple as part of the principle action of the story.''

From a news article posted at Star Trek: Phase II, a fan site that produces new (unofficial) episodes of the beloved sci-fi TV franchise. The latest episode is called ''Blood and Fire'' and was originally crafted for "The Next Generation" series. No episodes of Star Trek shows have featured an obvious and openly-gay or lesbian character, and this script was said to have been shelved because executives were uncomfortable with the gay characters it features. Several scripts did tackle sexual attraction as it related to issues of gender through body-switching, possession and alternate universes, though. (Star Trek: Phase II)

''It is ridiculous to suggest that there are legal reasons why we can't support this resolution -- common sense says we should be the leader in making sure other governments are granting more freedoms for their people, not less. The U.S. lack of support on this issue only dims our once bright beacon of hope and freedom for those who are persecuted and oppressed."

Richard Grenell, a gay Republican who has served as an advisor and Bush-appointed spokesman at the United Nations. The article states that the United States was the only Western nation to not sign this non-binding declaration that is to serve as a launching point for improved acceptance and treatment of gays and lesbians world-wide. (Associated Press)

[If Propositioin 8] hadn't passed, the pain that it would have caused to far millions more, I think would be more severe. And here's what I see in this, Ann. For 5,000 years, every single culture and every single religion has defined marriage as a man and a woman -- not just Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism.... [Laughing loudly when told his position has raised the specter that he is homophobic.] I could give you a hundred gay friends -- Of course not. I have always treated them with respect. When they want to come and talk to me, I talk to them. When the protesters came we served them water and doughnuts....

Portion of an interview between Rick Warren, a well-known, rich Evangelical preacher, and NBC's Ann Curry. Warren has been chosen by Barack Obama to give a prayer at the Inauguration in January. Warren was an avid and vocal supporter who used the pulpit of his 22,000 member church and the media to repeat the same "5,000-year," "man and a woman" piffle numerous times, plus he definitively equated same-sex marriages to polygamy, incest and sexual child abuse. Proposition 8 outlawed gay marriages in California when it was passed through a multi-million dollar joint effort of Warren's Saddleback Church, Mormon churches, Evangelical groups, certain African-American churches, and Catholic organizations that promote conservative, anti-gay rights agendas. (MSNBC via YouTube)

''I think that it is no secret that I am a fierce advocate for equality for gay and lesbian Americans. It is something that I have been consistent on, and I intend to continue to be consistent on during my presidency. What I've also said is that it is important for America to come together, even though we may have disagreements on certain social issues.... That's what America is about. That's part of the magic of this country is that we are diverse and noisy and opinionated. That's the spirit in which, you know, we have put together what I think will be a terrific inauguration. And that's, hopefully, going to be a spirit that carries over into my administration.''

Barack Obama responding to criticism of his choice of pastor Rick Warren to appear at the Presidential Inauguration in January. (ABC News)

''First Donny McClurkin, and now this hate-filled bigot. STOP GIVING MONEY TO THE DEMS until they start showing us respect. Is your representative in favor of equal rights? Good! Give to his/her campaign, NOT to the national organization or national campaign. Once Obama's folks start to understand who holds the purse strings, maybe they'll "allow" us a seat at the table.'' -- Michael, Washington, DC

''I cannot express how disappointed I am at the selection of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at Mr. Obama's inauguration. I had been hopeful of the promise of unity and our country moving in a new direction, but now I see that I was deceived yet again. This is a total betrayal....'' - Hank, Washington, DC

''Obama will use us to the exten he can and throw us under the bus whenever it's politically expedient. Unfortunatley that happened before his first day, but remember, Obama was the Poster Boy in the Yes on 8 campaign ads. What do you expect?'' -- Gregg, Washington, DC

''I am absolutely disappointed in the choice of Rick Warren. This is far more than someone who you have differences with, which would be admirable. This is a person who is using his immense power to take rights away from people - and now the President of the United States is offering him a stage in front of the the entire world. This legitimizes Warren and his views. Rick Warren's positions say gay people aren't entitled to the same rights as all other people.'' -- Ben, Washington, DC

''I hope Rick Warren will surprise me on January 20th, 2009, but his past anti-gay sentiments make me doubtful. Regardless, proud gay people will get past this unfortunate choice quickly and will continue to support President-Elect Obama. To Mr. Warren, I'd quote Maya Angelou's -- who so warmly included gay Americans at first Clinton Inaugural in 1993 -- with this passage from her 1978 poem: You may write me down in history / With your bitter, twisted lies, / You may trod me in the very dirt / But still, like dust, I'll rise.'' -- Phil, Washington, DC

A few comments by DC-area residents on the Facebook group ''No Rick Warren at Obama's Inauguration.'' The online group has instantly gained 2,000+ members looking for ways to express their dissatisfaction with Obama's choice of Rick Warren to perform a prayer at the Presidential Inauguration next month. (Facebook)

''This not a policy difference. This not even about gay marriage. That can be a political or policy difference that, obviously, Barack Obama has with many gay and lesbian people. This about the way that Pastor Warren has used homosexuality as a weapon, that he uses religion as a weapon to suggest that gay relationships are akin to incest and pedophilia.... It's a matter of using a moral, religious authority to divide one group from another.''

Hilary Rosen of Huffington Post expressing her anger over Obama's decision to choose Rick Warren to participate in the upcoming Inauguration as part of a discussion on CNN with Anderson Cooper. (CNN via YouTube)

Rick Warren was a leading supporter of Proposition 8 and has repeatedly equated gay marriage rights with incest, pedophilia and polygamy. Obama previously appeared at Warren's Saddleback Church in August to take part in a presidential candidate discussion where he defined marriage as the sacred union between a man and a woman, but then said he wouldn't support a constitutional amendment defining it as such, and said there's room for some to be afforded some similar civil rights.

''Your invitation to Reverend Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at your inauguration is a genuine blow to LGBT Americans. Our loss in California over the passage of Proposition 8 which stripped loving, committed same-sex couples of their given legal right to marry is the greatest loss our community has faced in 40 years. And by inviting Rick Warren to your inauguration, you have tarnished the view that gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Americans have a place at your table.''

Joe Solmonese, President of HRC, in a public letter to president-elect Barack Obama regarding his choice of Rick Warren to deliver the invocation at the inauguration in January (HRC)

''Now, here's an interesting thing. Just -- there are about 2% of Americans are homosexual -- are gay, lesbian people. We should not let 2% of the population determine -- to change the definition of marriage that has been supported by every single culture and every single religion for 5,000 years. This is not just a Christian issue, it's a humanitarian and human issue that, uh, uh -- God created marriage for the purpose of family, love and procreation. So, I urge you to support Proposition 8.''

Pastor Rick Warren in a recorded message for his followers to support the repeal of gay marriage in California. (via YouTube)

''I'm not for gay marriage. In the Bible -- I say that marriage is between a male and a female. Now, I don't know, I haven't read this new one that your talking about. I'm not against anybody. I'm not against gay people or anybody else. But I just think that my faith is based on the scripture, and that's what I see in the Bible that marriage is between a man and a woman.... I'm not sure I'm up to speed. What do you mean by that [marriage is a civil right]? .... I just don't think that's God's best.... I think that it is a choice. I think it's a choice. I can't say that I understand it all, but I think it's a choice.''

TV evangelist Joel Osteen responding to CNN's Larry King on the recent Newsweek article about gay marriage, whether he thinks gays deserve marriage, and whether he thinks being gay is a choice or not. His wife, Victoria, states that they have wonderful, nice gay people in their church, but they ''just don't believe in that.'' (Larry King Show)

''I have not withdrawn the use of my songs by the BYU Young Ambassadors and do not intend to do so.They are a student singing group..... fair-minded Mormons to reconsider their position and come to support the right of homosexuals to marry the person they love ... I continue to believe that the most important tenet of any religion is 'Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.'''

Portion of an email from composer Stephen Schwartz who, it has been rumored, had been considering pulling licensed rights to his music from Mormon organizations such as those at Brigham Young University because of the Mormon church's leading role in the overturning of gay marriages in California through Proposition 8. Schwartz work includes the stage musicals 'Wicked,' 'Godspell,' 'Pippin' and a number of animated films including 'The Prince of Egypt.' (Salt Lake Tribune)

''I was really fearful when I came back to the theater after the election," said Natalie Hill, who is a lead in a current Broadway revival of "Grease." "People who worked in the hair room who had been seriously my friends became hostile. It was not like we could ever have a real dialogue about it. They didn't want to know what I thought and didn't care. I would never go to a place that my gay friends consider sacred and protest. One gay friend told me that drastic times call for drastic measures and that might mean violence against Mormons. You can't reason against that kind of thinking.''

Natalie Hill, an actress who is a Mormon and the current lead in the Broadway revival of ''Grease.'' She reportedly supports civil unions but also supported Proposition 8. (Salt Lake Tribune)

''I'm gay. I'm left-handed. I'm Jewish. There's a lot of things I'm supposed to do, that I don't do.... [Growing up gay in the 1950s] was hard internally. It wasn't hard externally because I just never told anybody I was gay. I mean, not anybody -- not a single human being.... I realized it when I was 13. It was very depressing, very sad. And I was very frightened about it. And I just figured, 'OK, I'll just repress it.' .... And Kay [Longcope of the Boston Globe] came down and sat down and put a tape recorder in front of me and said, 'Are you gay?' and I gave what was a very considered answer, 'Yeah, so what?' .... I wanted it to be kind of butch.'''

Congressman Barney Frank on this past Sunday's '60 Minutes' speaking about history as a Democratic Representative for Massachusetts United States. The feature story by Leslie Stahl includes his current position as a leader in the financial recovery process, his coming out process to the press and to Speaker Tip O'Neill, footage of his on-the-air shouting match with Bill O'Reilly, and a recap of the sex scandal that resulted in him receiving an official reprimand. (CBS News)

"There's less need. You can church-shop and find at a local level a parish that is accepting.... We provide an option. We don't recruit people who are already happy in their church."

Archbishop Mark Shirilau of founder or the Ecumenical Catholic Church which was established in 1987 to cater to the needs of gays and lesbians who were not comfortable in their own churches. However, it's reported, that attendance has dwindled at his church from 2,000 at 25 congregations to 500 at 20 congregations. The growing acceptance of gay members at mainstream churches is said to be the cause. It's also stated in this article that another gay-specific organization, the Metropolitan Community Church, has only had a slight increase in attendance, which is likely due to an increase in non-gay members. (The Press-Enterprise)

''You can't un-ring the bell and once you have a room full people that have come down to speak on a topic, I think it is then dismissive of their input to table the motion when clearly people were there to talk about it and I think they should have been heard," said Nelson.''

Connie Nelson, a Sioux Cityan who was disappointed that the City Council decided to table a motion to define marriage as only between a man and a woman. It is reported that a public hearing was called and dozens packed in to share their feelings on the measure. However, council members quickly realized that they had not considered the scope of their anti-gay intentions, the larger legal implications and the possibilities of lawsuits. The Iowa Supreme Court is to rule on the legality of same-sex marriage soon. (KCAU-TV)

''We definitely should reevaluate it. It's been 15 years since we put in 'Don't Ask, Don't Tell' which was a policy that became a law. I didn't want it to become a law but it became a law. Congress felt that strongly about it. But it's been 15 years: Attitudes have changed. And so, I think that it's time for the Congress, since it is there law, to have full review of it. And I'm quite sure that what President-elect Obama will want to do. But people then say to me, 'What do you think?' And what I think is, let's review it. But I'm not going to make a judgment as to whether it should be overturned or not, until I hear from the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the commanders who are responsible for our armed forces at a time of war. And so, I have to hear what they think, and what the Secretary of Defense thinks before I would come down on one side or the other. Because, I've always felt that the military is a unique institution. It is not like any other institution, in our system. You are told who you live with. You are told will share your most intimate accommodations with. You are whether you'll live or die. And for that reason, courts have always upheld the ability of the armed forces of the United States to put in place procedures and rules that would not be acceptable in any other institution. So, Congress, I think, has an obligation to review the law, and I hope it's a very spirited review. I hope that President-elect Obama, in one of his first actions, will ask the Joint Chiefs of Staff to take a look at the policy and the law, and to get their recommendations before he makes a judgment with respect to the Administration's position. But times have changed. This is not 1993: It is 2008, and we should review the law.... I certainly think we should look at all the examples of countries where this is the case [that gays serve openly], and see if this is relevant to the armed forces of the United States... but that doesn't necessarily drive the decision.... When we went through this in 1993, it wasn't just the generals; it was the chaplins, it was family members who had issues with domicile. You had issues with marriage. Look at the debate we're having now with regard to same-sex marriage. All of that comes into the military.''

Colin Powell speaking to CNN regarding his current point of view on the US military's gay-excluding policy known as "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" (CNN via Huffington Post)

"There is clearly a lot of support for us winning marriage in Maine. There's a lot of momentum, there's a lot of enthusiasm. We're really getting a lay of the land. We'd be very excited to go forward with a bill."

Betsy Smith or Equality Maine, a gay-rights group in the northeast state which plans to submit over 33,000 signatures to the legislature in 2009 to ask for a bill to pass the allowance of gay marriages. It's reported that anti-gay religious leaders are already gathering support for a bill designed to define marriage as solely between a man and a woman. (Morning Sentinel)

"Our goal is to have marriage for all Floridians. There's not a pleasant way of bringing out injustice and there's no version of protesting injustice without hurting somebody's feelings."

Lorna Bracewell, director of the group Impact Florida which brought 250 protesters to the church where Governor Charlie Crist was married for the second time. Some reportedly wore decals that read, "Congratulations Governor Crist. When can I get married?" Crist has actively spoken out against same-sex marriages and in support of Amendment 2 this past election season. That bill was passed and a constitution ban on same-sex marriages has been put in place in that state. (AFP)

"You murdered [Jeff Akers] in a particularly savage way, stabbing him in the back with a carving knife with such force that it completely severed the eighth rib and punctured his right lung. The knife went into his back up to the hilt. The knife had an eight-inch blade. You did this simply because he was gay. I am satisfied that you took that knife and went into those public lavatories looking for someone you thought was gay to stab. You clearly have an unhealthy interest in knives and very clearly have a hatred of homosexuals. You will have to be regarded, therefore, as posing a significant risk of serious harm to members of the public, in particular gay men, in the future,"

Judge David Padget at the sentencing trial of Mark Malone who stabbed Jeff Akers at a public toilet known as a cruising spot for gay men. Malone is reported to have punched an autistic man earlier for making gestures which he misinterpreted as a gay come-on. Padget is to spend at least 30 years in prison. (BBC)

Terry Gross of NPR: As you identify more an more with the young [Evangelical] voters and their priorities, have you changed [your position] on gay marriage?

Richard Cizik of NAE: I'm shifting, I have to admit. In other words, I would willing say, I believe in Civil Unions. I don't officially support redefining marriage from it's traditional definition, I don't think. We have this tension going on in the movement between what is Church-building and what is nation-building. And I lean in this spectrum, at times -- maybe we should concentrate on building our values in our own movement.

We have become so absorbed in the question of gay rights and the rest that we fail to understand the challenges and threats to marriage itself -- heterosexual marriage. Maybe we need to reevaluate this, and look at it a little differently. I'm always looking for ways to reframe issues, give the Biblical point of view a different slant, if you will.

Richard Cizik of the National Association of Evangelicals on the December 2 broadcast of NPR, responding to the "Fresh Air" host's question if he's still opposing gay marriage as he told her two years ago. During the interview, which has led to him reliquishing his position at the conservative Christian organization, he also strongly backed environmentalism which most Evangelical leaders oppose. (NPR)

"It was time for him to go. He no longer represents the view of evangelicalism. He has not represented those views for some time."

Tom Minnery, of the anti-gay organization Focus on the Family responding to the resignation of Richard Cizik from the National Association of Evangelicals. (Associated Press)

''That was me observing 'Day Without a Gay.' I don't want to leave you hanging, but I said, ''I'll just give you a little taste of what it would be like if I didn't show up.'''

Comedian Wanda Sykes who came out as gay last month at a public rally against Proposition 8 in Las Vegas. On the 'Tonight Show' she delayed her entrance by several seconds, and then joked about the 'Day Without a Gay' event, but also spoke about her passionate response to the passage of Proposition 8.

''We've reacted to anti-gay ballot initiatives in California, Arizona Florida, and Arkansas with anger, with resolve, and with courage. NOW, it's time to show America and the world how we love..... On December 10, you are encouraged not to call in sick to work. You are encouraged to call in "gay"--and donate your time to service!''

A website calling for this Wednesday to be a day of workplace protest has been established by organizers at DayWithoutAGay.org

''It's extra-challenging for people to think about taking off work as a form of protest, given that we are talking about people who may not be out (as gay) at work, and given the current economic situation and job market. There is really not any assurance employers would appreciate it for what it is."

Jules Graves, 38, coordinator of the Colorado Queer Straight Alliance, remarking on the coordinated call for tomorrow, Wednesday, December 9 to be a workplace-based method of protesting the overlooked needs of equal benefits for gay employees. (Associated Press)

''Our community leaders who are running book stores, newspapers, flower shops, coffee houses, bars and many, many other things are hurting right now, so paying attention to their needs during this hard time is an effective form of activism.''

Bob Witeck of Washington-based PR firm Witeck-Combs remarking on the potential effectiveness of the upcoming call for a ''Day Without a Gay'' which is based on the ideas crafted by Latino activists who organized ''Day Without a Mexican'' (Associated Press)

''Religious conservatives will say that the liberal media are once again seeking to impose their values (or their 'agenda,' a favorite term to describe the views of those who disagree with you) on a God-fearing nation. Let the letters and emails come. History and demographics are on the side of those who favor inclusion over exclusion.''

We believe all of this happened simply because of who these individuals are and who these perpetrators perceived them to be. For some reason (they) didn't like the two men they believed were gay ... and felt so emboldened in their hatred that they acted it out in violence.

NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn explaining the gang beating of two Ecuadorian brothers who walking arm-in-arm through Brooklyn. Anti-Hispanic and anti-gay epithets were used during the attack where one of the brothers was hit in the head with a bottle and a baseball bat. (Associated Press)

''There is a bigger issue here than the paper allowing fear and hatred to be spread by a double standard. We felt like the image shown by The Daily staff was a man and sheep, which has been used to marginalize the gay community for decades. His article almost goes a step further than that to homophobia. You can be conservative but not homophobic.''

Kyle Rapinan, organizer of a 100-student rally to protest the publication of a graphic featuring figures of a man and a sheep to illustrate a conservative opinion piece that calls gay marriage a slippery slope that will lead to other types of unions. Sarah Jeglum, the Editor-in-Chief of the paper says the image is somehow being misinterpreted. (MSNBC)

''It was like, `Eureka! That's right, that's what I do! If I'm going to stand on the soap box, at least let me sing and dance.''

Marc Shaiman, who wrote ''Proposition 8: The Musical'' in one day. He previously composed the musical version of ''Hairspray'' and the ''South Park'' movie. The short video features Jack Black, John C. Reiley, Neil Patrick Harris, Maya Rudolph, Jenifer Lewis, Margaret Cho, Kathy Najimy, Allison Janney, and many others. (Associated Press)